Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Overview
The Eastern lookout offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands. Explore the areas's Aboriginal cultural significance on a school excursion, or enjoy some whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour.
Read more about Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
No visit to Coffs Harbour is complete if you haven’t been to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Also know as Giidany Miirlarl, this precious seabird rookery at Coffs Harbour’s heart is enveloped by spectacular views from coast to islands.
Muttonbird Island is a great spot for watching birds up close; it’s one of the only easily-accessible places in NSW where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests. It is also an important Aboriginal place, harbouring stories of the Dreaming and a wealth of traditional resources.
It’s a great place to take a short walk, and the unforgettable views will be well worth your effort. The best way to find out more about the Aboriginal stories of Muttonbird is on an award-winning guided Discovery tour conducted by local Gumbaynggirr rangers.
Take a virtual tour of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Highlights in this park
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Eastern Side lookout
The Eastern Side lookout offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands. A short walk from the carpark, it’s a great place for whale watching in the...
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Muttonbirds by moonlight guided tour
Walk the break wall path from Coffs Harbour to Muttonbird Island and join this short evening tour. You'll come up close to the birds who give Muttonbi...
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Muttonbird Island Outdoor learning space
Explore Aboriginal history and Dreamtime stories at Giidany Miirlarl, also known as Muttonbird Island, near Coffs Harbour.
Whale watching top spots
NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration, which takes place from May to November. Plan your next coastal adventure.
Muttonbird Island self-guided tour app
Download the app and discover ‘An island’s tale’ as you explore Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. After a briefm steep climb, be rewarded with commanding coastal views of the Coffs Coast and hinterland. Continue to Eastern Side lookout while finding out about the stories the island holds.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact
- in the North Coast region
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Coffs Harbour office
02 6652 0900
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
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Email: npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Coffs Harbour office